Waynesboro Thanksgiving dinner is 'wonderful'

WAYNESBORO, Pa. - A line of about 25 people had formed before seating began at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Waynesboro Area Human Services community dinner.

Volunteers Phyllis Adams and Alice Doverspike greeted the guests and pointed them to seats as the line moved forward. The women's omnipresent smiles hinted at how happy they were to assist.

"I think it's an absolutely wonderful meal," said Adams, who joined her husband in volunteering for a second year.

The food and fellowship received rave reviews from those gathered.

"The whole thing," Sean Michael Monn said enthusiastically when asked to identify the best part of the meal.

Sean, 9, theatrically stabbed his fork into a large piece of ham to start tackling the heaping portions in front of him.

Waynesboro Area Human Services Director Jane Birt said the agency partnered with the Waynesboro Area Fellowship of Churches to provide the meal to 250 people. Fifty volunteers helped in the kitchen and seating area, sang carols, and delivered more than four dozen meals to shut-ins.

Boy Scout Troop 97, which meets at Trinity United Church of Christ, coordinates a food drive with Birt in October and this year asked to help with the Thanksgiving dinner. Jesus Is Alive Ministries' youth group sent volunteers again this year.

"They love helping," Birt said.

Doverspike said in the past she's donated meals for the holidays. This year she volunteered to assist because she wouldn't be spending Thanksgiving with her children.

"I think it's good food and good company," she said.

Waynesboro residents Timothy Harris and Joyce Monn said they are thankful for family and friends, health and their home. Harris remarked it's nice to have those things despite the economic conditions.

Carrie Barber, of Waynesboro, said she returned to the event for a seventh year because she doesn't like to cook a large meal for herself. She joined several neighbors at a table.

"It was all good," said Betsy Breedlove, of Waynesboro.

"I'm thankful I'm even here and alive," said Shirley Welsh, of Waynesboro.

David Schultz, of Quincy, Pa., said he's thankful his wife, Arlene, is home from the hospital following a knee replacement surgery. He spoke very highly of the food.